SPRING 2012 The Bede Griffiths Newsletter The Bede Griffiths Sangha is committed to the search for the truth at the heart of all religions

SPRING 2012 VOLUME 13 ISSUE 1 I hope there isn’t too much ‘shop’ in this letter, but at least it may be said that CONTENTS you provoked it... - Father Bede Griffi ths , from a letter to a friend Hermits in Company 2012 A Song of Unity The Wider Sangha - Ireland Jane Lichnowski 2 Bill Whiland 8 Justin Carty 18 From Father Bede to a Friend Silent Retreat 2011 Book Recommendation Edited by Hazel Eyles 3Martin Neilan 9Cygnus Books 18 The Wider Sangha - Brazil 3 Marriage & Monastic Oblation Dancing Across the Abyss Stefan Reynolds 10-11 Elizabeth West 19 Giving Birth to Wisdom Brother Martin 4Sanskrit Corner Sadhu Videhi Ken Knight 12-13 Jill Hemmings 20-21 Quietening Daphne Radenhurst 5Book Review A Call for New Trustees Aileen Neilan 14 Adrian Rance 22 Advent Gathering at Ammerdown Valerie Cherry 6The Wider Sangha - Italy Inter Religious Dialogue 22 Daniela Pancioni 15 Hermits in Company 2011 Sangha News Judith Jones 6What is Truth? with Br. Martin 15 Retreats & Resources 23 Hermits in Company 2011 Meeting Fr Bede on the Road Regional & Overseas Geoff Bird 7Patrick Eastman 16-17 Sangha Contacts 24

bgs_newsletter_spring2012.indd 1 18/02/2012 11:09:42 2 THE BEDE GRIFFITHS SANGHA NEWSLETTER Welcome to the Silent Retreats 2012 Spring 2012 Newsletter This Newsletter is published ‘Hermits in Company’ three times a year to provide a ‘Stillness within one individual can affect society beyond measure’ forum for articles and comment Father Bede Griffi ths within the remit of the Sangha to search for the truth at We are pleased to let you know that there will be two ‘Hermits in Company’ the heart of all religions, to retreats in 2012. The phrase ‘Hermits in Company’ captures our intention for these record Sangha activities and retreats which is to organise a quiet time where we can gather, mostly in silence, give details of future events free to use the unstructured time and space as we wish. We come together for and resources available. times of meditation, chanting and reading of scripture from different traditions, Correspondence and following the rhythm of the day at Shantivanam. They are ‘DIY’ retreats, in the contributions for inclusion in future sense that participants are invited to contribute to readings at prayer times, on editions are welcome and will be considered by the editorial team. a particular theme which is chosen nearer the time; and to help with whatever To receive a printed copy of the simple vegetarian catering and housekeeping activities that are needed. Newsletter, please send your details to May 4th – 7th September 27th – 30th Martin Neilan, 5 Flemish Close, Tymawr Convent, The Stanton Guildhouse, St Florence, SA70 8LT 01834 871433 Monmouth Stanton, Worcs [email protected] Tymawr Convent is a small, The Guildhouse is a beautiful centre for inclusion on our data base. The Cistercian in spirit, contemplative near Broadway. Set on a hillside, it Newsletter is free but an annual community living in the peaceful has stunning views towards the Welsh donation towards costs is invited with the edition. Copies, for friends Welsh countryside. We stay at mountains. More about the centre can or interested organisations, can Michaelgarth, the guest house, lying be found at www.stantonguildhouse. be provided. within the extensive and beautiful org.uk. We can accommodate 13 Current and back numbers of convent grounds. More details of the people in simple shared rooms. the Newsletter are available on community can be found at: www.bedegriffi thssangha.org.uk www.churchinwales.org.uk/tymawr The cost will be £115* In the immediate future there will be a rota of newsletter editors so We can accommodate 14 people (9 If you would like more information or to please send all correspondence sleeping in Michaelgarth & 5 in the request a booking form please contact regarding the newsletter to the Convent) in 8 single rooms and 3 assistant editor double rooms. Jane Lichnowski, 82 Gloucester Road, John Careswell Cirencester. Glos. GL7 2LJ The Coach House. Cork Street Frome, Somerset. BA11 1BL The cost will be £95* Tel - 01285 651381 tel: 01373 454491 email - [email protected] [email protected] SANGHA CONTACTS Sangha Contact and Editor Joan Walters, Church House, Steynton, Milford Haven, Pembs SA73 1AW - 01646 692496 contact@bedegriffi thssangha.org.uk Sangha Working Group Jane Lichnowski, 82 Gloucester Road, Cirencester, GL7 2LJ 01285 651381 [email protected] UK Contact with Shantivanam Michael Giddings - 07810 366860 *Please note that a deposit of £25 is required when booking. [email protected] Bede Griffi ths Charitable Trust Recently, I found a diary entry from the early 1990’s. Following a silent retreat Adrian Rance, 46, Park Road, Abingdon I had written how much I was beginning to value ‘being in silence with others’. Oxford. OX14 1DG Since then I have grown to value this more and more, and also to realise that 07775 600 385 I am not the only one who feels this way! The ‘Hermits in Company’ retreat, [email protected] which grew out of the Sangha’s Spring Silent Retreat held at the Screen in , Newsletter Designer offers just such an opportunity. Ricardo Insua-Cao www.rdo.org.uk - [email protected]

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From Father Bede to a Friend edited by Hazel Eyles

August 1936 - I have taken the Vasquez – at the Renaissance carried it suffering, kindness and charity which trouble to read up the catholic theory still further, and maintained that where can be conceived, and I doubt whether of war in the last few weeks, as it there is a possibility of international anything but an unconquerable faith has been conveniently set out by arbitration, a state has no right to go to in the power and goodness of God, John Eppstein in a masterly work war, and also that if the damage done and an unalterable hope in eternal life called The Catholic Tradition of to society in general is calculated to which will crown our suffering on this the Law of Nations. He sets out the be greater than the good attained by earth, can really sustain it. It means thinking of the church on the subject war, it is not permissible to fi ght. Thus that one must be prepared to suffer at length from the New Testament many modern theologians, following anything, in fact to be crucifi ed, if to the latest papal encyclicals. The their teaching, seem disposed to doubt necessary, for Christ’s sake – and how idea that it is unlawful for a Christian whether the conditions of a just war many of us are prepared for that? under any circumstances to bear can exist in the modern world. arms has never been approached by I hope there isn’t too much ‘shop’ in the church. The words of St John the However this may be, I agree with this letter, but at least it may be said Baptist to the soldiers who came to Huxley that passive resistance is the that you provoked it. We have been be baptised, Christ’s treatment of the greatest power for peace, and the only enjoying ourselves hay making this centurion whose son was dying, and thing that can ultimately triumph. It year. We have just begun to cut a the reception of Cornelius and his seems to me in fact that we may have second crop. friends by St Peter in the Acts, are during the coming years a repetition suffi cient evidence that the profession of the history of the persecutions in October 1937 - I am due for my of a soldier is not inconsistent with the early church. The whole world is solemn profession in December, and Christianity. rapidly becoming pagan, and turning shall be voted for by the community against the church. Persecution has in a few weeks time. If I get turned The Christian tradition on the matter already begun in Russia, Germany, out, I hope you will offer me a place was in fact laid down by St Augustine Spain and Mexico. Austria and France of . The thought of it, I confess, by his declaring that it is permissible may well fall into the hands of Nazis appals me. I love this place so much, to fi ght in a just war, and if there is no and Communists before long, and that I simply do not know how I could other means of obtaining justice. War one never knows what will happen to live outside. I love every moment of between nations, in fact, ultimately Italy with Mussolini in power. Thus the day, every stick and stone here, rests on the same basis as the use of the Church will be left to fi ght for and every soul in the community more force for the administration of law herself –and the only weapons she than words can tell. And yet I fi nd the within a nation. The Middle Ages can employ will be those of passive life very hard in many ways, and I elaborated in theory of what precisely resistance. I think, however, that have a sense of the awful tragedy of constitutes a just war, and St Thomas Huxley ludicrously underestimates life which almost overwhelms me. with his usual accuracy lays down the degree of heroism required to But that is the mystery of the Cross, fi ve conditions. The great Jesuit practise this. It requires the greatest and we shall not understand till we get theologians – Tiffania Suarez and humility, meekness, patience, long to heaven.

Christmas Greetings from the Brazil Sangha

From “Return to the Centre” work in the whole creation, in the stars and atoms, plants and animals and men, he virgin birth of Jesus is a sign of the Temergence of the new man, a further here achieved its consummation. stage in the evolution of humanity. It marks the transcendence of sexuality, the In Mary man is married to God; the male and achievement of human perfection. The the female unite in one person in an interior new man is not born by sexual generation marriage and the new man is born. This is the - ‘not of blood nor of the will of the fl esh mystery which has to be accomplished in us. nor of the will of man, but of God’. This Every man and woman has to undergo this is achieved because a woman is found virgin birth, to be married to God; In other who can make the total surrender of words, beyond our physical and psychic herself in love. What human love strives being we have to discover our spiritual being, imperfectly to achieve through sex and our eternal ground, and there the mystery of marriage is here accomplished by divine love is fulfi lled. love. The mystery of love which is at

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Giving Birth to Wisdom by Br. Martin Christmas is the celebration of God’s unconditional love creation and one human kind. He or for humanity. It is God’s birth into the world with the co- she is the prince of peace. Wisdom is like a child. It is unconditioned. It operation of human beings. It is the birth of wisdom or infi nite never grows old. It is the symbol of truth in the world and in the human hearts. The birth of this eternity. The three wise men, who wisdom is necessary to bring peace in the world. Wisdom came to worship the child, were the breaks down the walls of division and creates one God, one symbol of historical truth, symbol of knowledge. It is a beautiful scene creation and one human kind. Truth or God has two aspects: where the historical truth falls at the eternal and historical. feet of eternal truth; knowledge at the feet of wisdom; past falling at the hen Moses asked God his physically and spiritually, was chosen feet of the eternal present; old people Wname, fi rst God said ‘I am who by God to discontinue the God of worshipping a child. I am’. This was the eternal aspect of Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob God. But it was diffi cult for Moses to and give birth to God of ‘I am who Christmas is not only the celebration understand this aspect of God, so God I am’. This child, born of a virgin, is of this birth of wisdom in the human told him “I am the God of Abraham, not identifi ed with the past but with soul but also the birth of human soul of Isaac and of Jacob”. This was eternity. This child is not called son into God. This dual birth was possible the historical aspect of God. Moses of Mary or Joseph, but the Son of because of the co-operation of a recognized God as the God of his God. The Son of God or Daughter spiritual virgin. It is the celebration ancestors. Mundaka Upanishad speaks of unity and peace. It is also an of two types of wisdom; Para Vidhya invitation, like Mary, to every human and Apara Vidhya. Para Vidhya is the “When human being to become a virgin spiritually eternal aspect of truth or God and beings accept this and give birth to the child of God, to Apara Vidhya is the historical aspect wisdom, to the God of eternity and to of Truth manifested in time and space. invitation of God unity; to imitate the three wise men In the historical truth God reveals to to be humble enough to outgrow our human beings how to live their lives in and give birth to conditioned truths and to worship the world of time and space. Historical the eternal truth the child, the wisdom; to break down truth is the source of all sacred the walls of division and create one scriptures and religions in the world. then the angels will God, one creation and one human The diffi culty with the historical truth appear in the sky kind; to become the Son of God or is that it is very much conditioned the Daughter of God and live for the according to the times in which it is and sing...” welfare of the whole of humanity and revealed. It divides human beings in of creation; and to become instruments the name of scriptures and religions. of peace. As we see that the world is When historical truth is understood of God is one who identifi es with the divided in the name of religion, which as eternal truth then it becomes the whole of humanity and with creation. has become source of confl ict and source of confl ict and violence in the This person does not live only for violence, God really needs spiritual world. Hence there is always need himself or herself, for his religion or virgins to cooperate with his/her plan for God to manifest eternal truth in her religion but lives for the welfare for the world peace. God wants to be this world and the need for human of the whole of humanity and of born in the human hearts. May we beings to outgrow the historical truth creation. Since this person lives for have the courage of Mary to accept and give birth to the eternal truth. In all his or her death is also for all. It is this invitation! When human beings order to unite humanity and bring for this reason this person is called the accept this invitation of God and peace to the world God needs the Son of God or the Daughter of God. give birth to the eternal truth then the co-operation of human beings. God This person is like a tree trunk that angels will appear in the sky and sing needs virgins, not necessarily virgins holds all the branches and leaves and as they did two thousand years ago: physically but spiritually. nourishes them with the nourishment received from the roots. This person “Glory to God in the highest and Spiritually a virgin is one who embraces all religions (branches) and peace to the people of good will on the discontinues the God of history and all individuals (leaves). This person earth” (Lk.2.14). gives birth to the God of eternity. breaks down the artifi cial walls of Br. Martin Virgin Mary, who was a virgin both division and creates one God, one

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Quietening by Daphne Radenhurst We are fortunate to have two reports on our Advent Retreat Kemp, an Interfaith Minister, led us at Ammerdown, by Daphne Radenhurst and Valerie Cherry in a service of Universal Worship. Although one or two of us may have The theme of this year retreat was ‘Quietening.’ We were lucky been doubtful at the outset about this in that we were the only group at Ammerdown for the weekend. introduction of a new element into our We decided to extend our period of silence right up to supper worship, I think these fears were soon time, when we could talk. I felt this helped us to go still deeper dispelled by Charles’ sensitive and sympathetic handling of the service. within ourselves and I found myself reaching the same inner For indeed the same values lie at the space which I had experienced during the Hermits’ Retreats, a heart of all true worship, and these are place of calm, peace and freedom. universal. I know I enjoyed the lovely, lilting music, different from our usual o programme had been fixed in in our sharing that it had given us a bhajans, and we all enjoyed the dance! Nadvance, apart from following powerful WAKE UP call. I felt the Opening Prayer epitomised the structure of a day at Shantivanam, our whole Advent journey: with periods of meditation, The second film was a talk given chanting, prayer and readings from by Bede Griffiths at the Mystics To go in the dark with a light is the scriptures of different traditions. and Scientists Conference in April to know the light. Our first evening meeting was 1992, just a year before he died, on To know the dark, go dark. spent deciding how we would use The Evolution of Consciousness Go without sight, and fi nd that the our time together. There were five and the Transcendence of the Ego. dark, too,blooms and sings, and is spaces to be filled, and we decided His powerful presence on screen traveled by dark feet and dark wings. to watch two films, one made by brought him right into the room Sister Monica, and a DVD of Bede with us. It was very moving to In our fi nal sharing we refl ected on that Griffiths, each one to be followed see him talking with such vitality, synchronicity which always seems to by a time of contemplative sharing. knowledge and wisdom during this arise when we meet together, each one We would do a contemplative walk last year of his life. It was on this of us bringing their own note to add in the garden, to be led by Geoff. occasion that he mentioned the to the fi nal piece of music. Another All these activities were optional, stroke which had struck him down, analogy made was to art, where each of course. The rest of the time we affecting the right side of his brain, of our Sangha retreats was likened to were free to study, rest, walk and but which had brought into play the the thin glazes made on a painting, explore the magnificent grounds intuitive left hand side. He described thus giving depth and luminosity at Ammerdown, or perform a how he found himself surrendering to the fi nal picture. There was some community task given to us by Jane to the Mother and being flooded discussion on the role of the male and of preparing the cards from India with waves of love. In our sharing the female, arising out of Bede’s talk. for sale. We would end the day by afterwards we felt how important Reference was made to the priesthood singing Nama Japa before going it was to propagate his message, and that perhaps this was no longer into the Great Silence. perhaps by buying up great quantities necessary. Finally, one more thought. of the DVD and passing them on to Perhaps it is necessary for the Sangha The first film we watched was others! Watching this film made me itself to change and move on, and not called Awakening. I will use Sister understand why the Indians regard remain rooted in the past, and that Monica’s words to describe it: him as a saint. Bede himself would welcome this. “There is an ancient saying.. ‘The most courageous thing a person The readings all reflected, in I would like to add, writing this can do is to WAKE UP!’ This audio their various ways, the period of on Monday afternoon after the visual meditation gives us a gentle Advent. This time of the year, Retreat, that I had a most beautiful framework in which we can choose to when Nature itself is shedding its experience when driving into Bath cast off the shadows which imprison leaves before going into its winter this morning. I had an experience of us and awaken us to the mystery of sleep, reminds us of our own complete oneness with everything: God. It can be our Advent journey, inner journey as we prepare for people walking along the street, or that of every waking day.” A most the coming of the Christ child. crossing the road, traffic weaving in beautiful film, one in which I very and out – it was all a dance, and I much recognized my own journey, On Sunday there was a departure from was part of that dance. and there was a general consensus our normal practice, when Charles Daphne Radenhurst

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Advent Gathering at Ammerdown by Valerie Cherry

and readings, the music and worship person, and it helped to affirm the Quietening and also by an impressive DVD of shared beliefs and values at the core Father Bede, and a moving one by of all religions. uring Advent at Ammerdown Sister Monica Butler RSM. We have Din Somerset a group of us received gifts of the Spirit from one All this took place in a very from the Sangha experienced soul’s another. Our individual distinctions comfortable house with extremely nourishing once again. It was led and differences have been honoured good food, staffed by friendly, by members of the Sangha Working and held within the loving kindness helpful people, set in a large garden Group. We are grateful for their and unity of community. This year that features elements both classic dedication and creative energies. It our final period of worship was and wild. was a very special weekend. facilitated by Charles Kemp, an Interfaith Minister. It incorporated I am thankful for another beautiful From our depths we have songs, prayers and readings from weekend among sangha friends. It contemplated the coming of Christ various religions thus affirming is one of the highlights of my year. into heart, place world. We have been Father Bede’s message that the inspired by the silence, the chants Divine dwells at the centre of every Valerie Cherry

Hermits in Company by Judith Jones 6th - 9th October 2011 It was my fi rst time as a hermit end of Sunday morning we brought welcomed warmly by others who offerings to the shrine gathered from The road to the Stanton had come before. Our theme for the the garden and hedgerows, each Guildhouse climbs from the coming days was “Being present laid before our neighbour. village up the hillside to a together”. After brief introductions There were autumnal gifts of richly view overlooking a wide, open our silence began. Each day had its coloured leaves, fruits and seeds rhythm of meditation and prayer symbolic of fulfilment, promise and valley with the Welsh hills in times and meals together, while in the hidden life. The offering I received the distance. Entering the evenings we listened to devotional held the potential for creativity Guildhouse through the great music by the fi reside. There were and nourishing and was the most otherwise spaces of freedom to read or original of all - a wooden spoon oak door on that Thursday explore the hills, but in whatever way from the kitchen. afternoon when our retreat we chose to spend our time silence was to begin, the shrine was fi lled our days and nights. A tender In different ways we all expressed being set up by the fi replace, and supportive knowing of one another gratitude for the days spent together, grew in our shared silence, as well as for the presence of each one and a decorated with fl owers and through the contributions of each one sense of being helped by one another the promise of supper wafted in our chosen readings, bhajans and to reach stillness and silence. In from the kitchen. guided offerings, also in daily tasks gratitude for my fellow hermits I was of chopping vegetables, caring for the reminded of the words of an unknown t was a welcoming scene and candles or stoking the fi re. German mystic – Ian ideal place for a retreat. As a dream realised by Mary Osborn In the growing awareness of one “I searched for my God the Guildhouse had been set up as a another there was also awareness of My God I did not see centre for crafts and fellowship but others beyond our circle, signifi cantly I searched for my soul essentially as a place of healing. It of Father Bede as the Guyatri My soul eluded me lies barely 25 miles from where Father sounded across the Cotswold hills, I searched for my brother Bede had made his early experiences and of Mary Osborn who had late And found all three in common living and discovered the in her life visited Shantivanam and My God, my soul and all eternity.” beauty of the Authorised version of the would surely have joy in the Sangha’s Bible. In her Christian faith, as well as prayer and meditation gatherings at Judith Jones love for simplicity and appreciation of the hearth of the Guildhouse. literature Mary had much in common with Father Bede. When the silence was broken at the

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Hermits in Company by Geoff Bird This year’s sangha at morning Gayatri mantra which we sky, and a spontaneous Gayatri fl ew Stanton Guildhouse was just sang gathered on the old stone terrace, from our collective souls up into the gazing out from our high place over heavens. And then later, an evening the same as all the others. the wondrous Cotswold countryside around a log fi re, faces illumined with Except it wasn’t. in the stillness. The meditation, the the soft glow of candle light and the n fact each sangha gathering is both readings, the chant - all these elements astonishing beauty of Byrd’s Mass for the same, and unique. Although the enhanced by the stillness of the place, 5 voices fi lled the air; burnishing the Iessential fl ow of them is ever constant and our own collective silence. stillness in our hearts. The stillness - modelled upon Shantivanum, the deepening further, wrapping around colours and spiritual textures of each those who remained in the special is created afresh by those of us who “the energies of quietness that follows Namajapa to gather. Our readings are focussed on stare mesmerised at the glory of the a theme, different each time. ‘Being this place sing with lighted altar. Present Together’ is our theme, and it was a good theme, and each of us who our own in the As we came out of our silence and read somehow had chosen a reading simple way that shared our experiences, one of our that gave new insight into what it members reminisced of times long means to be present together, so that Bede taught us.” ago when she had visited Guildhouse the meaning became fuller and fuller, in the days when the founder Mary and as the readings accrued, bound us Osbourne lived, and she told us how as one. Serendipity was with us too: though it was that Mary had met with Father the weather had generally been Bede at Shantivanam; and somehow What I always fi nd remarkable about overcast, usually by evening breaks this knowledge served to complete a these gatherings is that we come upon would occur and once, nearing our circle where the energies of this place a space familiar, and we quietly change suppertime, one of our gathering sing with our own in the simple way it into a special space. Our shrine is motioned towards the sunset, and that Bede taught us. And though we soon assembled and decorated with quietly, carrying our silence, we fi led are gone away now, something of our symbols of the faiths and fl owers through the great oaken door and brief presence is left there, enriching and candles, and what emerges is stood again on the stone terrace in the the space for others who follow. always something of great beauty, that fading light of the day and marvelled echoes the simplicity of our way. the at the colours Nature had painted the Geoff Bird

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A Song of Unity by Bill Whiland The 2011 Summer Retreat already be underway. Events in the mother earth. Each of us carried a UK during August 2011 mean that small pebble to place upon a Celtic The theme for the summer Br Martin’s talks about unity and a cross in the middle of the labyrinth retreat was ‘A New Song new consciousness seem even more and then returned with a sprig of of Creation’, the title of important now. rosemary, a symbolic act of letting Br Martin’s latest book. go and remembering. There was an easy fl ow to the During the retreat Br Martin experience of the retreat helped by the Felicity Collins facilitated the expanded on that theme with meditative yoga organised by Victoria labyrinth walk and led the group in a a series of talks about the Glazier. Then on Tuesday evening fi nal prayer under a grand old copper pilgrim journey to conscious the wonderful traditional stories told chestnut tree. We gathered in a large to a full house by Elizabeth Vooght. circle and held hands. I thought of unity with God. In a time of Tuesday evening also had Taize in the my original question, is it possible to widespread social unrest and chapel skilfully orchestrated by Sister create a new song of unity? I found with a fragmented world in Monica. The contributions were the answer in the feeling of kinship many, too many to mention them all and oneness I experienced here. deep crisis, is it possible for a here. But we give thanks for each and gathering like this to create a every one. Br Martin explained his I left the 2011 retreat convinced that new song of unity? theories about the seven stages of the the Bede Griffi ths Sangha is one pilgrim’s journey to a conscious unity important instrument of God’s plan to he venue was the beautifully with God. build His kingdom of conscious unity Trenovated Launde Abbey on the That unique description of seven on earth. border of Leicestershire and Rutland. levels of consciousness helped me It has a twelfth century Chapel and was to better understand the evolutionary I am certain that communities like this originally an Augustinian monastery process that is transforming our concentrate a healing stillness and a complete with 450 acres of stunning planet. Humanity is at a point of silent spiritual intention that has a very parklands. The retreat participants profound transition and a vision of the real global infl uence, like a spiritual arrived on the afternoon of Monday journey towards a new consciousness butterfl y effect. This stillness and 18th July and departed after lunch on is critical to our survival as a species. spiritual intent are the very essence Wednesday 20th. Our world desperately needs a new of the enlightened consciousness that song of creation, a song that can play can transform our world. The need It was my fi rst experience of the Bede upon a terrible suffering to bring us for transformation is urgent. A great Griffi ths Sangha. I found that many into a conscious unity with each other, darkness sweeps over us. As Br Martin of the little traditions and chants, our planet and God. writes on page 58 of his new book; which could so easily alienate the newcomer, were instead welcoming The retreat ended with an act of He will say and strengthened my inclusion. Then pilgrimage in Launde’s wooded “I am the light of the world. there were the silences, meditations labyrinth. In that sacred spiral we And you are the light of the world.” and lively conversations that added united our spiritual intentions with so much to the feeling of community. a real sense of connection to our Bill Whiland The impressive lack of hierarchy and structures within the Sangha does not impede its effectiveness. Nick and Mary Sadler had arranged things to ensure that every one of us could contribute in some way.

I quickly assessed that the Bede Griffi ths Sangha is a grounded expression of the new dawn we pray will emerge from under the rubble of these troubled times. The societal collapse that Father Bede mentioned on the Monday evening DVD could

bgs_newsletter_spring2012.indd 8 18/02/2012 11:10:20 9 Raya SPRING 2012 by Ken Knight & Ricardo Insua-Cao The Caldey Island Silent Retreat 2011 by Martin Neilan Lets face it, life is a busy and Peter and Dawn are the new hosts of through their choices of readings and noisy affair. It is diffi cult to the Retreat House. They provide the chants help each of us receive what food, do the cleaning and maintenance, we need from the retreat. This year’s fi nd the time, the space, and and create the welcoming atmosphere. theme was Spirit in Practice. the inspiration to contemplate Food is simple and vegetarian but oh the Divine and how our boy, their cooking skills are the best we There were a range of talks and lives relate to it. Which is have experienced on Caldey. Indeed, activities that retreatees could attend, after we came out of silence I was able or they could choose just to explore the why eleven spiritual seekers to give them the good news that one Island, or join with the Monks as they sought out the Caldey Island of our number was a secret Michelin do their divine offi ce from Vigils (at Silent Retreat 2011. inspector who was impressed by their 3:30am!) to Compline (at 7:30pm). cooking, followed by the bad news ike all the best spiritual that she only inspected tyres. Activities included daily group Ljourneys there were on the challenges to overcome, beach; ; the collage getting to the island being the of God ; candlelit Taizé chants fi rst. Bad weather cancelled and poetry in the medieval the tourist boats and it was priory; introductory tours touch and go whether the early of the Island; and a visit to morning mail boat would run, the palaeolithic site and now or indeed whether we pilgrims Marian shrine at Nanas Cave. would get there in time for Talks relating to our theme it. But, by the grace of God, were given by Brother David and the Captain (who always (on Cistercian guidance for lay leaves on time) waiting for an communities), Brother Gildas unheard of eight minutes, we (on Tagore, the Indian spiritual all made it. poet), and Brother Titus (on how he has put Spirit into Something happens on that practice throughout his life journey to the Island. It is from racing driver to monk). as if each wave that hits the boat washes away some of the The weather kept tourists cares and worries that beset us away, but allowed our daily on the mainland. As we landed beach meditations. Before we on Caldey the Island embraced left the island we followed the us with its aura of calm and tradition that says if you create prayerfulness. a cross on the beach you will return. We had collected fl at Caldey Island is owned stones as candle mats to protect and managed by an order of We follow a routine on Caldey the medieval priory furniture and we Reformed Cistercian monks, that embodies the principles of the used them to create a Celtic cross as and Caldey Abbey is its heart. Shantivanam day. On the fi rst day a symbol of what we had experienced www.caldey-island.co.uk we enter silence after Namajapa at during the week. Well, almost a week, will show you more. We were 9pm. From then on we are silent in we came home a day early as the boats welcomed by Brother Titus the the retreat house apart from talks and were all cancelled on our proposed guestmaster and shown to St readings. Our day starts at 06:50 with return date. And so, back to daily life, Philomenas, the Retreat House. some gentle Chi Gung, 07:00 we greet but with a store of peace and wisdom The accommodation is simple, the dawn with the Guyatri Mantra, that will keep us going through the single occupancy rooms with a followed by the fi rst of three periods year. Rising costs and other diffi culties bed, a sink, a desk and a wardrobe. of meditation, readings, chants and mean no return this year but we are Toilets and showers are nearby bhajans. It is amazing how well we researching other possibilities for our and ladies have the additional get to know each other without all next silent retreat. option of a bath. the usual social chitchat and how the contributions of all the attendees Martin Neilan

bgs_newsletter_spring2012.indd 9 18/02/2012 11:10:20 10 THE BEDE GRIFFITHS SANGHA NEWSLETTER

Marriage and Monastic Oblation by Stefan Reynolds Marriage and Monastic Oblation: Twelve Steps of Humility teacher’s task; the disciple is to be “Are you still reading that book?” My fi ancé asked me after she silent and listen’. In my experience marriage and teaching do not go had seen ‘The Rule of St. Benedict’ travel with me on various together. My wife does not want to journeys. I had to try to explain to her that it was one of those listen to my theological opinions at books which one never fi nishes. I became an Oblate in 1996. Last breakfast or at any time. I have to climb year I got married. Two forms of vows; different, but compatible. down off my retreat-giving pedestal before I am ready for an evening Surely the criteria of the call is similar: ‘Is there anyone here cuddle. There are no Masters in who yearns for life and desires to see good days?’ (Ps. 34.13). the bedroom. For me silence is the silence of heavy opinions. he married Oblate is also a undone, or postponing without reason, coenobite; he/she lives in a what has been asked. T What about sex? In marriage is community. I have a few refl ections. to ‘love chastity’ (Ch. 4) really “Let’s go to Venice for our summer 7 a tool for good? ‘Do not gratify the Before I was married, in my holiday!” In this I have to be like 4 promptings of the fl esh’. Well, it plays bachelor days, I was free to do the monastic cellarer: ‘If anyone 1 more of a role in marriage than just what I liked with my holidays and happens to make an unreasonable getting children. Maybe the rule has when I came back from work. In that demand, the cellarer should not reject taught me a little that sex is more sense every bachelor is a sarabite: that person with disdain and cause about giving than getting. Sex may be ‘Their Law is what they like to do, distress, but reasonably and humbly part of that ‘good zeal’ which Benedict whatever strikes their fancy’ (Rule deny the improper request’ (Ch. 31). sees as ‘fostering fervent love’ (Ch. Ch.1). To be married is ‘to love not 72): ‘No monastics are to pursue our own will, nor take pleasure in the I don’t have children yet but what they judge better for themselves, satisfaction of our desires’ (2nd Step reading the qualities needed for 5 but instead, what they judge better of Humility, Ch. 7). One has to take an Abbess or Abbot I get some idea for someone else’. It gives meaning into consideration what the partner of the demands of parenting: ‘They wants. My wife does not fancy a must know what holiday in an Ashram in India. a diffi cult and demanding In that sense to be married is to be burden they have 2under obedience. I have to listen to undertaken: my partner. It is not just me anymore. directing souls ‘Constraint wins a crown’, as St. and serving Benedict reminds. That crown is the a variety of ability to live beyond our ego and its temperaments, desires; being able to live with others. coaxing, My wife is Christ to me, in that sense reproving, and she is also my Abbot. encouraging them as If the root of obedience is to listen appropriate’ 3and respond, that is key to marriage. (Ch. 2). And If I am asked to do something (“Can change nappies! you hoover the house/ take the dog for a walk/answer the door, etc.”) - unless What about I have some real reason why I can’t - 6the teaching then why not assume that this is what on silence (Ch. I am called to do. So I try to respond 6)? Well, in my promptly. I don’t quite match those experience, it who ‘immediately put aside their own doesn’t work concerns, abandon their own will, and in marriage. lay down whatever they have in hand, However leaving it unfi nished’ (Ch. 5). At least ‘Speaking and I should not annoy my wife by leaving teaching are the

bgs_newsletter_spring2012.indd 10 18/02/2012 11:10:24 SPRING 2012 11

Marriage and Monastic Oblation - con’t by Stefan Reynolds

to Benedict’s injunction to remove told ‘all the hardships and diffi culties In the monastery of marriage I am still one’s knives before going to bed! that will lead to God’ on this path. a junior. I have many venerable elders (Ch. 22) In sex we are all vulnerable Then the vows: ‘For better and for under this profession for whom I rise and joyful, it is not a place for power worse, for richer and for poorer, in and offer them a seat (Ch. 63). I ask or moralising. sickness and in health, till death do for their blessing. But my wife is my us part.’ Or as Benedict puts it: ‘They Abbot and prioress. Her orders take Getting married normally (and must be well aware that, as the law of precedence (Ch. 71). 8certainly in my case) goes the rule establishes, from this hand in hand with becoming a day they are no longer free to . Setting up house leave the monastery, or shake has its demands. For an academic from their neck the yoke of the like me I am reminded that in rule which, in the course of so manual work (cleaning, shopping, long a period of refl ection, they cooking, gardening, D.I.Y) we are were free either to reject or living like real monastics (Ch. 48). accept.’ Cooking for one another, according to the rule, is a way of ‘fostering Marriage is a sharing. love’ (Ch. 35). ‘Consequently no 11In the house things are members (husband or wife) should no longer labelled ‘yours’ or be excused from kitchen service’. ‘mine’. Even our bodies belong For me ‘toiling faithfully’ in the to each other. Benedict’s house and its life and stability in the description of profession fi ts marriage is the ‘workshop’ where the self-giving of marriage; love flowers (Ch. 4). ‘without keeping back a single thing for themselves, well aware I certainly give more dinner that from that day they will not 9parties than I used to. With house have even their own body at and home, especially in the country, their disposal’ (Ch. 58). hospitality plays a new role. ‘All guests who present themselves are Marriage is an enclosure; to be welcomed as Christ’ (Ch. 53). 12‘faithfully observing Though my wife does not meditate God’s teaching’ we are ‘in the in a formal sense, we share the monastery until death’ where ‘we I have recently taken up, with my same faith. For me this is nowhere shall through patience share in the morning and evening meditation, more clear than in trying to ‘show sufferings of Christ that we may also chanting the Offi ce to myself. “Go every kindness’ to our guests. In share in the eternal presence’ (end of into the garden if you are going to welcoming them we welcome more Prologue). Commitment. Patience. make that racket”. I obey, and have than them and realise that our home Monogamy. Monotony. But also depth. built myself a little garden Oratory. is more than our home: ‘God, we have Deepening love. Unconditional love. ‘Nothing else is done or stored there’, received your mercy in the midst of Unending love. As Leonard Cohen I am not ‘disturbed by the insensitivity your temple’ (ps. 48:10) puts it: ‘The bed is kinda narrow, but of another (!)’ and if I ‘do not pray my arms are open wide, and here’s a in a loud voice’ then I fi gure ‘I will Before getting married I man still working for your smile’ (from not interfere with anyone else’ (Ch. 10refl ected on Benedict’s the song ‘I tried to leave you’). 52). The moral of the story is that ‘Procedure for Receiving Members’ we should all ‘walk according to (Ch. 58) as parallel to the commitment Twelve steps of humility. I am sure another’s decisions and directions, of marriage. As Benedict says it is not those who have been married longer choosing to live in monasteries and to to be taken too lightly. Dating is a sort than me will have more experience. have a prioress or abbot over them’ of postulancy (though a bit more fun!). I would do better ‘to be silent and to (Ch. 5). Or as they said in the sixties: Engagement is a sort of novitiate listen’ (Ch. 6). Still Benedict wrote even, in Benedict’s view involving his rule so that ‘by observing it in ‘Make love not war’. moving in to see whether things really monasteries, we can show that we work. Then we get our ‘marriage have some degree of virtue and the Stefan Reynolds preparation’ meetings where we were beginnings of monastic life’ (Ch. 73).

bgs_newsletter_spring2012.indd 11 18/02/2012 11:10:29 12 THE BEDE GRIFFITHS SANGHA NEWSLETTER

by Ken Knight In the last newsletter we . Tanumānasa: ‘Tanu’ is to do may see your good works, and glorify considered the navadha with the essence and ‘manas’ may your Father which is in heaven.” be translated as the mind. So this step bhakta: the Nine Steps of is when we no longer are captivated In Vedic terms this is the stage of being Devotion, a text from the by the variety of forms but look for Brahmavid, a knower of Brahman. Srimad Bhagavatam. This was the inner essence, the unity from introduced to try to overcome which all forms spring. . Asamsakti: Our necessary daily actions are now performed the idea held by some who This step has the mind always seeking without attachment for it is attachment prefer non-dualist, advaitin, the common in whatever range and that is the ‘bowl’ that covers the true teachings, that devotion has variety is perceived, it is the process Light. This is immediately followed of continual discrimination and by the next step. no place in advaita. refi nement of the understanding. ow we can consider a text from . Parārthabhāvanī: Such actions Nthe Yoga Vasistha which may be are performed with ease and grace called the Seven Steps of Knowledge. and leave no trace of ‘my will’ instead This ‘knowledge’ is not that learning of ‘Thy will’. As Krishna states, we which we gain from reading books but cannot cease to act. We are like the is that direct knowledge that arises, full moon in a clear sky, reflecting initially impelled by what seems to the light of the sun. Brahman is be our own desire to fi nd ‘the truth’. seen everywhere. In truth it emerges out of the mystery of our being and of that same being Turīya: This word may be which dwells within all. . recognised by some from their reading of the Mandukya Upanishad These ‘steps’ are given by the sage which describes the four levels of Vasishta who is teaching Rama who consciousness. Turiya is the fourth has appeared before him as a pupil. and fi nal state in that text. Again, These seven steps, bhoomikas, are here it is the fi nal level and its literal as follows: Śubhecchā, Vicārana, meaning is indeed ‘the fourth’. What Tanumanasa, Sattvāpatti, Asamsakti, is intended here is that nothing can be Parārthabhāvanī, Turīya. said to describe it for it is beyond all . Sattvāpatti: Now the dualities naming and descriptions and nothing . Śubhecchā: The root of this that we have worked with, and can be said about it, nor are there word, Śubh, means to shine or to which have helped us so far, have means of teaching it. be auspicious and this fi rst step is the dissolved as if they never existed. moment when ‘the light bulb’ comes Now there is a new kind of knowing Often when we read of ‘seven on. As with the fi rst step in devotion, for reality shines forth, within and levels’ we can see that there are two we suddenly wake up to the vastness without. It is at this step that we can clear groups of three and one fi nal of the universe and, turning aside for a marry two statements of Jesus: transcending level. Between the triads while from our self-centred concerns, there is a signifi cant gap when an we are aware of a profound yearning John 8.12 - “Then spoke Jesus again extra impulse is needed. So in the to be free of the limited view that has unto them, saying, I am the light of the above we see that the fi rst three steps prevailed up to that moment. world: he that follows me shall not involve our own efforts and use of the walk in darkness, but shall have the intellect. But the theme of the next . Vicārana: Now our enquiry light of life.” triad is a ‘letting go’ of this more begins through study, refl ection coarse effort as the subtlety of the and contemplation into the real Matthew 5.14-16 - “You are the light process is revealed. The fi nal step is nature of ourselves and the universe, of the world. A city that is set on an hill the fullness of ‘I am that I am.’ as taught by the great teachers cannot be hid. Neither do men light a throughout history. From this comes candle, and put it under a bowl, but Finally, let us consider the idea that the realisation in our own lives, aided on a candlestick; and it gives light there are ‘steps’ or, for the Sufi, by direct experience, of the veracity unto all that are in the house. Let your ‘stations’, that must be achieved. of the teachings. light so shine before men, that they

bgs_newsletter_spring2012.indd 12 18/02/2012 11:10:31 SPRING 2012 13

by Ken Knight

In a way the steps are the ‘thorn’ to except when teaching others. The Sufi that knowledge and devotion are ‘take out a thorn’. Some may argue, poet Rumi described it as such: bedfellows in the awakened heart ‘Look, stop seeing difference and and mind. all unity will be known. No steps. ‘The sum of the matter is this: When Just wake up.’ one has attained to union, the go- Ken Knight between becomes worthless. Since [email protected] However, if we acknowledge that you have reached the object of your our starting point is one of seeing search, O elegant one, the search People are kind enough to send me differences, and voicing opinions for knowledge has now become evil. e-mails in reply to these articles governed by ‘I like this’ and ‘I don’t Since you have mounted to the roofs and I always reply. However, at like that’, then we must learn that of heaven, it would be futile to seek Ammerdown some people told Hilary this state is one of ignorance; but it is a ladder. that I had not replied to their mails or ‘where we are’. that my e-mail address: After having attained to felicity, the We can use an idea like, ‘I must be less way that leads to felicity is worthless [email protected] critical’ to refi ne our observations of except for the sake of helping and the world around us. But this is like teaching others. The shining mirror, had not been recognised. As long as taking a thorn to remove a thorn for which has been cleaned and perfect- you type the underscore ( _ ) correctly dualistic thought is still the basis. it would be a folly to take a burnisher all should be OK. There then seems to be a process to it. evolving of continual refi nement However, sometimes people do not fi ll of our understanding. Until a fi nal Seated happily beside the Sultan in the ‘subject’ section on their e-mail. point is reached when, as it were, and in favour with him- it would This means that if I do not recognise the offending thorn and the surgical be disgraceful to seek letter your name it may be deleted as spam. thorn are both thrown away. We and messenger.’ Please put in ‘ Corner’ and all use steps in an apparent process but will be well. essentially we are using ignorance to Mathnavi III 1400-1405 Many thanks. remove ignorance. Ken Knight Once the goal is realised the purpose It is this knowledge that remains at for keeping the steps is now of no use the heart of all religions and we fi nd

The Nine Steps of Devotion with Ken Knight

or the last fi ve years a few of us, from South Asian traditions but which Accommodation - Bed & Breakfasts Fwith mixed spiritual backgrounds, is easily understood within the Western are available near by. Please bring have gathered in the village of Christianity as it is experienced today. your own vegetarian lunch Adforton where Annette Crisswell lives. Our religious journey is one of constant To confi rm your place please send a renewal, a deepening and broadening deposit of £5.00 to: Annette organises the weekend and of experience and understanding. And Annette Crisswell, Ken Knight leads the sessions. this broadening and understanding Christmas Cottage, is the focus of the study of World Adforton Nr Craven Arms For the above weekend we have religions; the aim is not to water down SY7 0NF decided to have a closer study of one’s own faith but to dissolve some Navadha Bhakti of the boundaries that limit it. For more information please contact The Nine Steps of Devotion Place - Christmas Cottage, Adforton, Annette Crisswell The world’s major faiths share common Shropshire/Hereford Tel 01568 770 436 ideas although they may emphasize Date - 24 - 25th March 10.00am - E-mail [email protected] some different aspects according to 4.00pm each day or their time and place geographically. March 23, 6.00pm for those interested Ken Knight The nine Steps of Devotion is a text in learning a chant hilken_98 @yahoo.com

bgs_newsletter_spring2012.indd 13 18/02/2012 11:10:33 14 THE BEDE GRIFFITHS SANGHA NEWSLETTER

Book Review - If Not You...Then Who? by Aileen Neilan If not You…then Who? play that passes for your life. You created waking in myself. My desire to awaken all that. You have proved you are a creator, your awareness in this life has a hidden Small questions about big things so would you like to create something motive: I long for more awake lovers, by Jan Storey different now? awake friends, awake colleagues, children Jan Storey is a teacher and way- and neighbours. shower. She is an executive coach What can you do? and facilitator. She runs discussions ‘Why go to all this trouble?’ you say. If Make a start. Refuse to carry on being you’ve ever made love to, worked or lived and workshops based on the robotic. Change just one of your habits with someone who’s asleep, or poured out material in this book. She enjoys and the cause and effect of things will your heart to someone who doesn’t know giving talks about her work and nudge you awake. Then you will be how to listen, or longed for something ideas. What follows is a Synopsis able to see the true signifi cance of your you can’t name to enliven your life, you of the book by Jan Storey. everyday life. will know why. ey you, the sleepwalker over there: You can cut the strings between you Who is the ‘you’ that might buy, borrow time to wake up! Wake up and and the puppetmasters that keep you and read this book? The appeal and Hwatch your usual, habitual self go through numb, but you have to see those strings interest is proving to be surprisingly wide: the motions day after day of your life clearly first. senior people in commercial business, towards your death. Why are you here? students on self searching paths, parents, To mark time? To spend time? To waste These pieces of writing, which I call individuals and teams dealing with the time? To have a good time? Gracenotes, might help you along the way public, those struggling with raising their to seeing your strings more clearly. They personal and emotional awareness or No, you are here to create something are not intended to bring you to Wisdom, people stuck in repetitive patterns that unique and graceful: something only you Truth or Enlightenment (whatever those make their lives unfulfi lling. can do. words mean for you), but to poke you in the ribs and say, ‘Oi you – wake up!’ This is a book illustrating ways off ‘But I’m busy’, you say. ‘I never have becoming better at living as a unique time to waste time. I have too much to Some of these Gracenotes may do that human being. It is also suggesting that do’. Much of what you do is disgraceful for you and some won’t. If just one regardless of our circumstances, it is more rather than graceful. You are unaware of does, that’s enough for me. Just one possible than is generally realised to draw yourself, of your motivations, your spirit good ‘Oi you!’ will start the process of on life’s everyday experiences in order to or your great work, whatever that is. your waking. Once started, Grace will live a more Graceful life. take care of the rest. You buy things, have things, get people, Life and society is full of sleepers, get cars, lose jobs, lose lovers, lose your What I mean by Grace is……whatever in moaners and blamers. This writing may reason for living and take up space with your experience has ever been beautiful, make them cross enough or awake enough the stuff you accumulate. true for you and creates good in your life. to take responsibility for themselves and celebrate their own uniqueness. What is your intention in being on earth It doesn’t matter in which order you read at this time? What have you come here or where you start and fi nish. You may Jan Storey to do? Why are you here now? What agree with some or none and disagree will you do about the fact that you with many or all of them. That’s fi ne. don’t know? The process of coming to agreement or disagreement is useful in itself. I can really recommend this book Wake up sleepwalker. Your fear of failing to anyone who wants to understand has made you drowsy, dreamy, hardly This writing may raise more questions emotional intelligence and grow here at all. than give answers. This is ideal as it spiritually. I have never met anyone wakes up the part of you that I call ‘the more full of integrity than Jan nor such What is it you refuse to feel? Are you inquirer’. The style of writing is bossy and an excellent guide & educator. sure that numbing yourself into a trance is declarative. I have included no sources or Aileen Neilan less painful than what you avoid. Why do other contributors’ ideas. Obviously, I you dumb down your beautiful self with have been affected and taught by others’ If you want a copy of this book for £12.99 TV, noise, meaningless relationships, views, but they, like my own remarks are plus pnp, please contact: busyness, cleverness, casual sex, drugs simply opinions and as such may have no Aileen Neilan and alcohol? substance in truth for you. It is for you to t: 01834 871433 decide what your view is: that is the point e: [email protected] Wake up dreamer. There is still some and the outcome I hope for. life left. Look closely at the stage, the scenery, the props, the costumes of the Each Gracenote represents a moment of

bgs_newsletter_spring2012.indd 14 18/02/2012 11:10:33 SPRING 2012 15

The Wider Sangha - Italy by Daniela Pancioni The Bede Griffi ths Sangha we draw inspiration also from the each person’s home. Our program was recently contacted by Christian mystical tradition. This is includes: “Meetings in Silence” with the heart of our meetings and of our Haiku poetry and sound and singing Daniela Pancioni from Italy, commitment in life. accompanied by the shruti box, videos inquiring about the Sangha focusing on different spiritual paths and also to tell about the We run meditation courses and and teachings of spiritual masters and retreats they run. intensive retreats on “Who am I?”, satsangs with living spiritual teachers, Self-inquiry also through parables and an open space for self-guided he Meditation Hall is a place zen , and “Being body, Being meditation. We also promote “Heart T where we we practice Self- One”, an approach to meditation actions” in support of all living beings inquiry and inquiry on our original as spiritual practice through body- and nature. nature, according to the traditions movement. We also run special silent of Advaita, Vedanta and Zen, as retreats at monasteries as well as In Love and Peace, well as surrendering our personal in the city, at the Meditation Hall, Daniela Pancioni identifi cations and attachments as at the Meditation Room and within Daniela Pancion, can be contacted in several ways about the activities that take place in the Meditation Hall:

Via email Daniela Pancioni - [email protected] or Roberto Boldrini - [email protected]

Postal address Dalmazia n° 21, 60126 Ancona, Italy

on the web www.facebook.com and search for “Meditazione ed indagine sul Sè” or type in www.facebook.com/pages/meditazione-ed-indagine-sul-se/120180578063780 or click on www.contemplazione.it and search for “Sala di meditazione in Ancona- Referents”

What is Truth? - I came to Bear Witness to the Truth with Br. Martin

Launde Abbey Contact: aunde Abbey has newly- July 20th to 22nd - 2012 Annie Cygler Lrefurbished conference facilities 57 Wellington Road on the Rutland/Leicestershire border, within easy reach of Leicester and www.laundeabbey.org.uk Crowthorne Peterborough, the A47, M1 and A1, Where thinking is possible RG45 7LJ 01344 772 496 offering peace and tranquility.

bgs_newsletter_spring2012.indd 15 18/02/2012 11:10:34 16 THE BEDE GRIFFITHS SANGHA NEWSLETTER

Meeting Fr Bede on the Road by Patrick Eastman I was a Benedictine Oblate almost on the doorstep. Osage was Spiritual Formation. As part of my of the Anglican community a small community of Benedictine work under this rather grand title women religious established by I had started some contemplative at Nashdom when in the mid Sister Pascaline Coff after she had prayer groups. Although still called 1960’s I was studying for the spent a sabbatical year with Fr. Bede Contemplative prayer groups priesthood in the Anglican in Shantivanam. The monastery was they developed into The Monos Church at St. Stephen’s built in a 50 acre forest in Osage community who gradually under Indian territory. Fr. Bede came from my direction became much like a House in Oxford so it was India to do a traditional blessing of the Zen Sangha. not unexpected that I was land and buildings thus establishing attracted to Fr. Bede Griffi th’s it as the fi rst Benedictine Ashram in In 2001 I was due for a month long . In subsequent years sabbatical time. A member of the book, The Golden String. Fr. Bede always came to visit Osage Monos Community had offered to had visited Prinknash once before Monastery for a week or so during pay for me to travel to to study so I already knew the community his visits to the United States. During at a Zen monastery there. I carefully Iand I found his commitment to those visits I was able to spend a good considered this but I was eventually Interreligious Dialogue extremely deal of time in conversation with him drawn to participate in the month interesting. At about the same time and received much encouragement. long residency programme at Zen I was reading the documents of the By concelebrating the Eucharist with Mountain Monastery located in the Second Vatican Council especially him I was also able to learn how to Catskill Mountains of upstate New Nostra Aetate on the Catholic preside at it in the Indian style which York. This monastery was regarded Church’s relationship with non- was most helpful when I acted as as one of the very best Zen training Christian religions. I was particularly Chaplain to the Community from monasteries in the West. Daido Loori taken with what was said about 1990 – 1995. Roshi, the Abbot of the Monastery Buddhism. As I was endeavouring had trained with the to live a life of contemplative prayer In my conversations with Fr. Bede master Roshi who and spirituality I encouraged reading we touched on my Zen practice. came to Los Angeles in the 1950’s. it saying “Buddhism in its various Fr. Bede was most encouraging, The books by both Taizan Maezumi forms...proposes a way of life by which reminding me that Zen grew out and Daido helped m a lot in my people can, with confi dence and trust of the Hindu tradition and it still practice to I decided that I would attain a state of perfect liberation had many close associations in its spend the whole month of October and reach supreme illumination.” deepest roots. (Here Fr. Bede used at the monastery under the direction Furthermore it authenticated my his familiar demonstration using of Daido Roshi. The experience of engagement in real dialogue with his fingers and the palm of his hand this time was so powerful that with Buddhists when went on to say: to show that all the world religions Ruben Habito’s agreement I became The rejects nothing come together at their deepest and a formal student with Daido Roshi. of what is true and holy in these most fundamental level.) religions……The Church therefore During all this time I was still urges its sons and daughters to Although I had begun using my own connected with the work of Fr. Bede enter with prudence and charity into style of Zen meditation inspired as I had transferred my stability as a discussion and collaboration with very much by the writings of Benedictine Oblate to the Camaldolese members of other religions and to Thomas Merton during the 1980’s it Benedictine Community at Big Sur, acknowledge the spiritual and moral was at Osage Monastery that I was California. During my visits there truths found among non-Christians. first introduced to a genuine Zen for retreats and some solitary time Roshi. Ruben Habito Roshi came in a hermitage I became really good This desire to be open to enrichment to lead the Sisters in their annual friends with Fr. Cyprian Consiglio from Zen Buddhism didn’t really retreat. Following my attendance who is a member of that community. come into its own for me until 1983 at this retreat I was accepted as Fr. Cyprian has studied the writings when, after spending 15 years as an a serious Zen student by Ruben of Fr. Bede and spent quite a lot of Anglican priest, my wife and I moved in 1990. This marked the time time at the ashram in Shantivanam. to Tulsa, Oklahoma where I was when my Zen practice developed Like me he is really dedicated to the accepted as a married Roman Catholic more authentically. My priestly work of interreligious dialogue and priest. It was my good fortune at assignment in the Diocese at that spends quite a lot of time each year that time to have Osage Monastery time was to be Diocesan Director of travelling all over the world to teach

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Meeting Fr Bede on the Road - con’t by Patrick Eastman

the message of Fr. Bede using words trying to make you a Buddhist but to May 26 - Zazenkai at St. Lawrence and music which he composes using teach you to empty yourself as did Church Cirencester words and melodies from many your Lord Jesus Christ. different world religions. June 23 - Zazenkai at In my own life I have found that the Minster Abbey It will be no great surprise that when Christian tradition is splendid on the I retired from the work I was doing in theory and of contemplative June 30 - Zazenkai at St. Lawrence Tulsa in 2004 and returned to live in prayer but lacking in given instruction Church Cirencester England it was not long before I started on how to do it. For those who are a Zen sitting group in the Cotswolds. drawn to a contemplative style of July 14 - Zazenkai at St. Lawrence Since 2006 we have become The Wild prayer beyond words and images Church Cirencester Goose Zen Sangha which meets each Zen can be a positive and practical Thursday evening at St. Lawrence’s way of entering into a practice which September 28-30 - Sesshin Church at Chesterton in Cirencester. puts one in touch with the truth of (residential) at Barns Conference When I came back to England one’s own true self and the truth of centre Toddington. however I could no longer fulfi l the all reality. Zen offers something very requirements for being a student of simple, very direct and is readily October 13 - Zazenkai at Daido Loori Roshi. Because of my accessible to all. Minster Abbey longstanding friendship with Fr. Patrick Eastman Robert Kennedy (see page 18 in this October 20 - Zazenkai at issue) who is both a Jesuit priest and If you are interested in exploring this St. Lawrence Church Cirencester a Zen Roshi I asked him to accept me further, I have included the Wild Goose as a Zen student. He readily agreed Zen Sangha programme for 2012. I November 9-11 - Sesshin and in 2009, with the agreement of suggest that newcomers to Zen would (residential) at Turvey Abbey, Bishop Declan the Catholic Bishop be advised to come as a taster to one Nr. Bedford of Clifton, he passed transmission to of our Zazenkai (Zen days). me and authorised me as a Zen November 17 - Zazenkai at (teacher) in the Zen White Plum Wild Goose Zen Sangha St. Lawrence Church Cirencester which had been founded by Roshi Taizan Maezumi. 2012 schedule December 15 - Zazenkai at St. Lawrence Church Cirencester January 28 - Zazenkai at I was pleased to have my work St. Lawrence Church Cirencester further affi rmed by the publication in 2010 of a teaching document from For further information or to February 24-26 - Sesshin the Catholic Bishops Conference of register for any of these events (residential) at Marian Centre England and Wales named Meeting please contact: Nympsfi eld God in Friend and Stranger. In it they Jenny Averbeck report that Pope Benedict, during email - [email protected] February 25 - Zazenkai at his visit to Turkey in 2006, declared Telephone - 01227 766734 Minster Abbey Thanet that Dialogue was not an option but a necessity. It seems to me that there Fr. Patrick Kundo Eastman Sensei is March 24 - Zazenkai at can be no better way of responding to a Camaldolese Benedictine Oblate St. Lawrence Church Cirencester this than by using a practice of prayer and a Roman Catholic priest. He also drawn from another religious tradition serves as an authorised teacher of April 13-15 - Sesshin (residential) at which is also perfectly compatible the Zen lineage. Ladywell, Godalming, Surrey with the Christian Faith. After all He has practised Zen since 1990 and Yamada Roshi a Japanese has studied with Dr. Ruben Habito April 28 - Zazenkai at St. Lawrence used to say two things to Christians Roshi, John Daido Loori Roshi and Church Cirencester who came to study Zen practice with Fr. Robert Jinsen Kennedy SJ Roshi him; There is no difference between from who he was given transmission May 12 - Zazenkai with Fr. Jinsen a Christian and a Zen Buddhist at to teach in 2009. Kennedy Roshi at Ladywell, prayer: they are both light sitting in Godalming, Surrey light. Alternatively he would tell his Christian enquirers that: I am not

bgs_newsletter_spring2012.indd 17 18/02/2012 11:10:38 18 THE BEDE GRIFFITHS SANGHA NEWSLETTER

News from the Wider Sangha by Justin Carty Robert E. Kennedy, S.J., and religious experience. He is active Roshi, or Master. He holds doctorates author of Zen Spirit, Christian in interfaith work, teaching zen to in Theology from the University of persons of all faiths, conducting retreats Ottawa and from St. Paul University Spirit and Zen Gifts to in the United States, Mexico, Ireland in Ottawa, a Masters in Theology Christians, is one of several and England. He teaches at Morning from Sophia University in Tokyo, and practicing Catholic men and Star Zendo in Jersey City, NJ. a Doctor of Ministry in Psychology women who are recognized and Clinical Studies from Andover- Newton in Boston. He is a graduate of by the Buddhist community as the Blanton-Peale Institute of Religion zen teachers. He is a licensed and Health in New York. Website: psychoanalyst and professor www.kennedyzen.org. emeritus of theology at St. “Robert Kennedy is one of the most Peter’s College in Jersey eloquent exponents of a Catholic City. He is a representative Christianity rooted deep in his of the Institute for Spiritual own lived experience of faith. His wonderfully poetic style speaks Consciousness in Politics at of Zen as a way to overcome the the United Nations. human tendency to theorize, by total immersion in a stillness where an s a Christian Fr. Kennedy intuition of God’s immanence can be Ahas found meaning and deep He studied zen in Japan with the realized...” (Michael Barnes) reverence in the practice of zen. His Japanese master Yamada Roshi. He work refl ects the Jesuit statement on continued his study under Maezumi Fr Robert Kennedy SJ Roshi and Zen mission and inter-religious dialogue, Roshi in Los Angeles and Bernard Master is a giving a talk at 7.30pm on which calls on Jesuits to be familiar Tetsugen Glassman Roshi in New 12th December in Gonzaga College. with other religious traditions and to York; in 1997 he received inka, www.kennedyzen.org immerse themselves in theological the formal seal of approval from exchange in a dialogue of life, action Glassman Roshi and received the title Justin Carty

Book Recommendation by Cygnus Books

Cygnus Books would like to tell you ne of the world’s most innovative open up when a a bit more about their bestselling Obiologists and writers, Rupert widely accepted book this month - The Science Sheldrake is best known for his assumption is Delusion, by Rupert Sheldrake. theory of morphic fi elds and morphic taken as the Dogged, heretical and intriguing resonance, which leads to a vision of beginning of an a living, developing universe with its enquiry, rather are all words that are often used own inherent memory. than as an to describe this controversial unquestionable scientist. His theories have inspired We really enjoyed listening to this truth. For accolades from many in the Radio 3 interview with Rupert example, the scientifi c and spiritual community Sheldrake discussing scientifi c assumption alike and also calls for book assumptions, concsciousness and that nature is burning from a former editor of reality. You can catch him in person machine-like or mechanical becomes Nature. In his latest book, Sheldrake at Alternatives on Monday, March 26, a question: “Is nature mechanical?” weighs in on the science versus St James Piccadilly, 7.00-8.30 pm, The assumption that matter is religion debate that has until now London W1J 9LL. unconscious becomes “Is matter been artifi cially polarised by the unconscious?”. See what you think. Rupert says “In The Science Delusion, Cygnus Books likes of fundamentalist Christians in the spirit of radical scepticism, I turn RRP: £19.99 - CygnusPrice: £10.99 and fundamentalist atheists like each of the ten dogmas of materialism www.cygnus-books.co.uk Richard Dawkins. into a question. Entirely new vistas

bgs_newsletter_spring2012.indd 18 18/02/2012 11:10:38 SPRING 2012 19

Dancing Across the Abyss by Elizabeth West Dancing Across the Abyss: Venue A day conference Greencoat Place, 24 Greencoat Place, Victoria SW1P 1RD with Ishpriya 10mins walk from Victoria Station. 11th March 2012 from 10am-4.pm Cost £30.00. Some Concessions are available for £20, shpriya is the founder- please enquire. Ichairperson of the International Satsang Bring a packed lunch. Association and its Drinks will be provided. spiritual animator and guide. She also belongs to a Catholic religious congregation, the Society of the Sacred Heart. She left Europe for India in 1971 and spent many years in the foothills of the Himalayas, a Christian presence among Hindu Sanyasis, committed to Inter-faith dialogue in a spirit of mutual understanding and common search. Ishpriya now lives in Austria and travels widely conducting Retreats, Satsangs and Seminars in many countries . She holds a Doctorate in Psychology from the University of London and brings insights from this academic discipline to her teaching which focuses on fi nding ways to live with faith and commitment to our spiritual journey and face creatively the challenges of the modern world. People seek her compassionate and perceptive spiritual guidance from all over the word. To book contact: Elizabeth West About the Day [email protected] Ishpriya will lead us in an exploration of our times which are radically new, full of challenge and therefore of life- giving potential. It is clear for all to see that our life style is failing and new ways have to be found. At this time of upheaval and change it is also clear that developing a new consciousness is vital and that we must take the risk with confi dence, the risk to “dance across the Abyss’’ into an unknown future. Ishpriya will draw on her rich experience of the contemplative traditions of East and West to give support to this journey we are all facing whether we recognize it or not. There will be talks, time for refl ection and some silent meditation.

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Sadhu Videhi by Jill Hemmings Sadhu Videhi is an Indian sannyasi, a wandering God and inspired by the example of Jesus, his sat guru and the Holy man with a most interesting and inspiring example of the Hindu tradition of life story. He was christened Sebastian and grew sannyasi. Coming from a wealthy family he had never walked up in Kerala, South India in a Catholic Brahmin barefoot or been short of money, family the youngest of five boys, greatly loved by but he says he has never regretted his decision for one minute and everyone, particularly his Mom. has rarely been hungry. Although he acknowledges the first year hen he was 13, a sadhu it was time to renounce everything, was very difficult! He says he had including his mom and family visited his home and a huge ego and begging for food W and honour his deep yearning Sebastian was fascinated and was very challenging particularly for spiritual enlightenment. He impressed by this man of prayer when he was refused with a admits it was terribly difficult to and poverty, he says he fell in love gesture of dismissal and sleeping leave his Mother, knowing she with him and asked who he was. rough was tough at times! As a would not see him again and it His Mom told him that in fact he sannyasi he can only beg for food would cause her great pain, but was a Catholic priest, but a very five times a day and stay 3 nights the time had come to make his unusual priest. Sebastian decided in one place! he would follow his example and at 16 entered the seminary to train Throughout his life Sadhu had for the priesthood. However he “A number of been a seeker, studying different quickly realised that he was not faith traditions through books, called to life as a priest, he left suitable matches practising meditation and yoga. the seminary, went back to school were offered but He determined while wandering to and at 18 entered the University experience for himself the richness of Bangalore where he gained Sebastian was of all religions by living with his doctorate and trained as a adamant he would people of different faiths, coming Clinical Psychologist, subsequently to understand and know the truth setting up a professional practise not marry and at the heart of all traditions. He in Bangalore and Cochin. He took the name of Sadhu, the Hindu worked for 10 years and had continued to yearn name for a renunciate (although a highly successful, lucrative for the life of a he would not call himself a career and enjoyed considerable Hindu) and took the name Videhi job satisfaction and status. But sadhu, of simplicity meaning “no body” as a reminder Sebastian knew that there was and complete that we are not the body, and something missing, his spiritual as a mark of his commitment life took precedence and that renunciation.” to seeking enlightenment as he would, when the time was a beggar in poverty and utter right, renounce the comfortable simplicity. The example of privileged lifestyle he had created Swami Abhishiktananda, a French commitment and he knew his for himself. However his mother, Catholic monk who went to India family would take good care of his like all Indian Mom’s, was very in the 50’s, founded Shantivanam parents. Having settled his affairs eager for him to marry and have ashram, and became a sannyasi he literally walked away from his a family. A number of suitable himself and died in the Himalayas, practise and all his possessions, matches were offered but Sebastian was a huge inspiration to and role setting off as a wandering sannyasi was adamant he would not marry model for Sadhu Videhi. and continued to yearn for the around India, barefoot, wearing the traditional robes of a sadhu, life of a sadhu, of simplicity and I was so very blessed to meet 2 pieces of cloth, one around the complete renunciation. Sadhu Videhi at Christmas at shoulders as a shawl and one as a Shantivanam 6 years ago. He lungi around the waist, carrying a Eventually after much heart had a tiny hut, 9ft by 4 behind shoulder bag with 2 spare pieces searching, twelve years ago at the Shantivanam, the ashram of of cloth, trusting in the love of age of 40, Sebastian finally decided Fr Bede Griffiths near Trichy,

bgs_newsletter_spring2012.indd 20 18/02/2012 11:10:54 SPRING 2012 21

Sadhu Videhi - con’t by Jill Hemmings

S India. Sadhu had visited Fr at the age of 13. Here at last was with his own extraordinary Bede in 1990 seeking spiritual the teacher I had been looking for. spiritual journey and his deep guidance about his yearning for I asked him if he would teach me understanding of the profound renunciation. Fr Bede showed meditation! He did and has been power of meditation to heal. “A great love and compassion and my teacher ever since! truly inspiring holy man.” As encouraged Sebastian to follow Peter Goddard a PhD student in his heart. (By coincidence I also I also asked him in 2006 if he mysticism at University of Kent met Fr Bede in 1990 for the first would come to the UK to teach wrote after meeting Sadhu this time at Shantivanam having heard but he said he wasn’t ready! But year in Kent, him on the radio but I didn’t meet now after 12 years of wandering, Sadhu then!) Sr Selvi ,a nun having completed his “training” as a sannyasi, he is ready to come “Sadhu had to the UK which is a huge gift for all of us here. However Sadhu visited Fr Videhi is also eager to establish a Bede in 1990 totally inclusive, interfaith ashram in India, Sarwa Ashram seeking spiritual (Sarwa “all” dharma “teachings”) where he can share his wisdom, guidance about knowledge, compassion and love his yearning for with his students. I know I am not alone in finding Sadhu Videhi renunciation.” a very special person, loving, compassionate, and a wonderfully generous, understanding, thoughtful Vipassana meditation teacher “We were sitting in the presence of (Insight meditation as taught a genuine Indian Holy man, who by Mr Goenka). Sadhu is very has experienced Advaita ,non- well versed in Christian, Hindu, duality ,the oneness of all creation, visiting for Christmas, told me Islamic, Buddhist, Jain and Sikh very much at ease, blissful, full of there was a special teacher behind sacred teachings and practises humility and love”. Shantivanam that I should meet. and he particularly enjoys sharing So I climbed over the barbed wire his knowledge, experience and Jill Hemmings fence, saw him sitting on the wall understanding of healing and of his simple hut and fell in love psycho -spirituality. He is unique with this extraordinary man as he in that he combines his experience had fallen in love with his sadhu and practise of clinical psychology

Sadhu Videhi’s visit to the UK 2012

am delighted to say that Sadhu Videhi will be in the Sadhu Videhi’s itinerary also includes a teaching and I UK in May and June 2012, leading day and weekend meditation day at the home of Nick and Mary Sadler in meditation retreats largely in the South of England. For Pershore Worcestershire on 28th May. more information do please contact me. I will be back from India at beginning of March. I look forward to hearing Contact for more info Nick or Mary Sadler from you. e-mail - [email protected] Tel - 01386 751 443 Contact for more info Jill Hemmings “Day Retreat Frome Somerset. Contact: John Careswell email - [email protected] 01373 454491 Tel - 01233 811 729 Mob - 07864 863 944

bgs_newsletter_spring2012.indd 21 18/02/2012 11:10:55 22 THE BEDE GRIFFITHS SANGHA NEWSLETTER

A Call for New Trustees by Adrian Rance

he Bede Griffiths Charitable There are two vacancies for trustees Please contact: TTrust grew out of the Sangha at the moment and it would be very and has had a close association special if these two places were filled Adrian Rance with its members. Originally it was by people from within the Sangha. Chair of Trustees established so that Brother Martin The duties are not very onerous and could share with us all his teaching we have three or four meetings a 46 Park Road, during his annual trips to the UK year. Generally these are held in the Abingdon and not have to raise the question of south of England but I am sure we OX14 1DG funding the ‘social work’ projects, could find meeting places to make it as they are called, at the same time. possible for people from other parts 07775 600385 That has become the work of the of the UK to take part in this work. [email protected] Trust which has grown steadily as You don’t have to be an active fund the years have gone by. raiser although it would be lovely if Adrian Rance you were that way inclined! Since its inception as a registered charity in 2004, the Bede Griffiths Please do think about it and I would Charitable Trust has raised over a be happy to discuss it with any quarter of a million pounds – which interested Sangha members, either is a true miracle, and the projects meeting in person, by phone or by such as those run by Senthil and email. We are trying to arrange our Sister Rose, have continued to annual grant giving meeting for late flourish. The Trust has always March or early April so you could tried to ensure a close link with the come and attend that to see what Sangha and indeed many Sangha you think. members are regular donors.

Inter Religious Dialogue with Brian Pierce

Inter-religious dialogue With Dominican friar Brian Friar Brian has come several with Brian Pierce Pierce and sisters and brothers times to practice with the Plum from the Dominican and EIAB Village community over the last 3 – 6 May 2012 communities many years--to our great delight, and this weekend we have the angha member Brian Pierce We invite you to join us in this opportunity to open our lively and S OP has invited members of inter-religious conversation about respectful dialogues with him to the Sangha to consider attending meditation, contemplation and the public. We will begin with a this dialogue with the European living our daily lives in the present morning meditation on Friday, 4 Institute of Applied Buddhism. moment. It will be an intimate and May and conclude with a mindful The community is in D-51545 authentic sharing among brothers thanksgiving lunch on Sunday, 6 Waldbroel, Germany, about 40km and sisters. In addition, we will May. east of Cologne. As yet I have no enjoy practices in meditation and details other than the notice give contemplation that hopefully will General orientation will take place by the EIAB sisters. The web site lead us into that silence where we on Thursday evening, 7.30 p.m. is discover that we are one. www.eiab.eu We look forward to learning from A Dialogue among each other and deepening our Christians and Buddhists: understanding of our own spiritual Meditation, Contemplation tradition through the loving and Living in the Present discovery of another spiritual Moment tradition.

bgs_newsletter_spring2012.indd 22 18/02/2012 11:10:57 SPRING 2012 23 Sangha News, Retreats & Resources

Costing of Sangha Events Arunachala The cost of Sangha events varies. When planning an event A painting by we simply aim to break even. Thus the cost of any event Ricardo Insua-Cao refl ects the expenses incurred putting it on, largely the Prints of Arunachala are available cost of the venue. Recently the price of accommodation at to buy, which are printed by a specialist giclee, fi ne-art print venues has risen this is the reason for the slight increase in company, on Hahnemuhle 310gsm some retreat costs. German etching, matt, fi ne-art paper. A4 - £15 | A3 - £25 | A2 - £50. All prices include postage & packaging. Contact - [email protected] - 07986 605 774 - www.rdo.org.uk Hermits in Company Spring & Autumn Silent Retreat 2012 The Spring retreat from May 4th – 7th will be held at New Avaita (Non-duality) Course Tymawr Convent near Monmouth. Tymawr is a small, at Colet House London Cistercian in spirit, contemplative community living The Study Society is seeking to share anew the teachings in the peaceful Welsh countryside. received over many years, from the former Shankaracharya The Autumn retreat from September 27th – 30th of Jyoti, HH Shantanand Saraswati. at the Stanton Guildhouse in Worcestershire. We thought especially that some members of Bede Griffi ths Sangha, who attended this year’s summer gathering at Gaunt’s House, might wish to follow up discussions there, and hear more about the spiritual tradition of Advaita. You are warmly invited to contact us for further details:- offi [email protected] or 020 8741 6568

More details about these retreats can be found on The Interfaith Foundation page 2 in this newsletter. The Interfaith Foundation is a charitable organisation embracing the universal truth at the heart of all spiritual traditions. If you would like more information please contact: www.interfaithfoundation.org Jane Lichnowski Tel: 08444 457 004 82 Gloucester Road, Cirencester. Glos. GL7 2LJ email: [email protected] tel: 01285 651381 - email: [email protected]

Other events Books from the Sangha From time to time members hold events that may be of Beyond the Darkness interest to others. At the editorial discretion of the working Shirley du Boulay’s defi nitive group we are happy to make these known. However we biography of Father Bede Griffi ths. need to point out that the Bede Griffi ths Sangha Working The Four O’Clock Talks Group has not endorsed these events nor can it be held Transcripts of Brother Martin’s responsible for their organisation or contents. daily talks at Shantivanam, recorded and presented by Atmajyoti Suggested donation of £7.00 each to cover UK p&p Cygnus Books Cheques made out to “Bede Griffi ths Sangha” to: Cygnus Books is a bookselling and information service like Jane Lichnowski, 82 Gloucester Road, Cirencester GL7 2LJ no other. Our aim is to help you fi nd the inspiration and guidance you are looking for, as you search for new ways to heal your body, nourish your soul and live in a way that From the WCCM refl ects your own deepest values. We do this in three ways: Books, dvd’s and cassettes of Father Bede and 1. By providing you with messages and features written books and tapes on meditation. to guide, uplift and inspire. You’ll fi nd hundreds of such Medio Media, St Mark’s, Myddelton Square, London EC1R 1XX messages and features in the resources section of the website. [email protected] or call Jan Dunsford on 020 7278 2070 2. By selecting books and other items that we believe will help you grow, heal and savour the full ‘juiciness’ of life. Greenspirit Books & Schumacher Book Service Catalogue available from Tony Jarrett 3. By publishing a free monthly magazine, the Cygnus Review www.greenspirit.org.uk www.cygnus-books.co.uk Tel: 01380 726 224 email: [email protected] 0845 456 1577 or 01558 825 500 Excellent range of secondhand books on spiritual subjects available from Alan Shepherd Cygnus Books, Unit 1, Beechwood, Llandeilo, 14 Becksford Close, Warminster. BA12 9LW Carmarthenshire, SA19 7HR Tel: 01985 215 679

bgs_newsletter_spring2012.indd 23 18/02/2012 11:10:58 24 THE BEDE GRIFFITHS SANGHA NEWSLETTER Regional & Overseas Sangha Contacts

Overseas contacts For Sangha and Newsletter Contacts see page 2. Argentina Magdelena Puebla If any one would like to have their names removed [email protected] or added as local contacts please let us know. 00542204761641 Australia Andrew Howie [email protected] East St Kilda - Samantha Semmens England [email protected] Cornwall Penzance - Swami Nityamuktananda 01736 350510 Brazil Marcos Monteiro - [email protected] Dorset Michael Giddings Chile Carlos Carranza - [email protected] 07810 366 860 - [email protected] Denmark Vicky Lasheras - [email protected] Gloucestershire Victoria Glazier Eire Justin Carty - [email protected] 01453 839 488 Hereford & Annette Criswell France Nerte Chaix [email protected] Shropshire 01568 770 436 - [email protected] Paris: Julia Tompson on 01 30 53 11 89 Hertfordshire Graham Thwaits [email protected] 01279 834 315 India Br. Martin - [email protected] Jersey & the Sean Arnold Italy Mario la Floresta - lafl [email protected] Channel Islands 01534 863118 - [email protected] Malta Godwin Genovese - [email protected] London N4 - Ann O’Donoghue 0207 359 1929 New Zealand Christchurch - Kevin Moran London SE (Kent) - Hilary Knight [email protected] 0168 986 1004 USA Florida - Michael Spillane Middlesex Pinner - Catherine Widdicombe [email protected] 020 8866 2195 Oklahoma - Carolyn Cowan [email protected] [email protected] Norfolk Chris Smythe Nevada - Jackie Greedy 01493 664 725 775 883 0854 Northants Henry Worthy Big Sur - Father Cyprian Consiglio 01604 513 032 [email protected] Staffs Stoke on Trent - Sr Sophia 01782 816036 Meditation Groups Suffolk Wendy Mulford 01728 604 169 Hertfordshire Bishop Stortford - Graham Thwaits West Sussex Gillian Maher 01444 455 334 01279 834 315 Thursdays 6:30pm Worcs Nick & Mary Saddler London SE (Kent) - Hilary Knight 01386 751 443 0168 986 1004 - Wednesdays 7:30pm Yorkshire Barnsley - Margaret Cadnam SW (Barnes) - Stefan Reynolds 07930 679 905 01226 217 042 Group [email protected] - Wednesdays Northern Ireland SW (Barnes) - Silvia Howell 020 8748 3722 Ballyhornan Stan Papenfus [email protected] 02844 841451 Wednesday 3:45pm Scotland Middlesex Pinner - Catherine Widdicombe Aberdeen Angelika Monteux [email protected] - Fridays 8:00pm 01224 867 409 Northants Henry Worthy Glasgow Steve Woodward 01604 513 032 - Thursdays at 8:00pm 01355 224 937 Somerset Bath - Daphne Radenhurst Easter Ross Revd George Coppen 01225 429 398 - Last Friday of the month 10am 01862 842 381 - [email protected] Surrey Woking - Kath Higgens Wales 01483 833 101 - Wednedays 5:30pm West Wales Martin and Aileen Neilan Sussex Arundel - Mary Corbyn 01834 871 433 01903 882 508 - Tuesdays Mid Wales Montgomery - Jonathan Robinson Yorkshire Mirfi eld - Margaret Cadnam 01588 620 779 01226 217 042 - 1st Thursday of each month Holywell - Philip Francis 01352 711 620 WCCM Groups WCCM contact - Kim Nataraja [email protected] 020 7727 6779

www.bedegriffithssangha.org.uk

bgs_newsletter_spring2012.indd 24 18/02/2012 11:11:02